2009 NHL Southeast Division Season Preview

Welcome to the best and most complete 2009 NHL Southeast Division Season Preview available online. The teams that make up our 2009-2010 NHL Southeast Season Preview are the are the Atlanta Thrashers, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Washington Capitals.

The Carolina Hurricanes were one round away from another trip to the finals last year. They could be a spoiler in the eastern Conference, after bringing back Aaron Ward in a trade with Boston, and retaining Jussi Jokinen. The Capitals have Alex Ovechkin, and added forwards Mike Knuble and Brendan Morrison. Washington will be a force in the Eastern Conference this season and for years to come. The Atlanta Thrashers signed Nik Antropov in the off-season and are making an effort to become a contender. With no significant off-season moves the Florida Panthers will be relying on their vets to give them a nudge to get into the playoffs.

2009 Atlanta Thrashers Season Preview

There are questions abound for the Thrashers, but there is reason for optimism in Atlanta. Coach Rich Peverley found chemistry with Ilya Kovalchuk and Bryan Little emerged as a solid scorer who can ease some pressure off of Kovalchuk. Zach Bogosian has the skills to be an top player on defense and Evander Kane has a bright future. Pavel Kubina and Nik Antropov should allow the young Thrashers an opportunity to grow without being outmatched and overwhelmed. Scoring will not be a problem for Atlanta, but goaltending has been unsettled and inconsistent, and without dependable goal play the post season will remain a possibility in the future.

Atlanta Thrashers 2009 Season Preview – Atlanta Thrashers 2009 Season Schedule

2009 Carolina Hurricanes Season Preview

Last year Hurricane fans saw a rekindling of the magic from the Stanley Cup of ’06. Aaron Ward, is back in addition to previous Carolina re-acquisitions Erik Cole and Matt Cullen. The Hurricanes have 9 players from that Stanley Cup team and with the addition of Stephane Yelle with two championships, the Hurricanes are a squad with a blend of winning experience and some talented young players ready to win. Cam Ward gives the Carolina excellent goaltending, the defense is excellent and the forwards led by Eric Staal are a challenge for opposing teams. They have the elements in place to compete for their 2nd Stanley Cup championship.

Carolina Hurricanes 2009 Season Preview – Carolina Hurricanes 2009 Season Schedule

2009 Florida Panthers Season Preview

Recent years have seen Florida close to making the post season and this year should provide similar drama. Stephen Weiss is a very productive two-way player who is getting better. David Booth is player all hockey teams envy for his physical play and skills. Nathan Horton can be a game changer and up front with players like Michael Frolik, Rostislav Olesz and Cory Stillman scoring should be sufficient. New captain Bryan McCabe is playing more like his former self and Keith Ballard plays to win. If Florida can avoid long-term injuries to it’s core players, the goaltending duo of Tomas Vokoun and Scott Clemmensen should help a post season hockey return to South Florida.

Florida Panthers 2009 Season Preview – Florida Panthers 2009 Season Schedule

2009 Tampa Bay Lightning Season Preview

After 5 seasons removed from their Stanley Cup Championship, Tampa Bay has their goal set to erase the memories of the last two seasons. There is reason for hope with the additions of top prospects Steve Stamkos, a talented forward, and Victor Hedman, who has the potential to be an elite defenseman in the NHL. Vincent Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis remain the Lightning’s top players and can be the foundation to build on to turn around the teams fortunes. Tampa Bay has more than enough depth on D and Mike Smith proven himself to be a solid goaltender. Coach Rick Tocchet will have them competitive and competing for a post season birth this season.

Tampa Bay Lightning 2009 Season Preview – Tampa Bay Lightning 2009 Season Schedule

2009 Washington Capitals Season Preview

The Washington Capitals go at opponents in so many different ways that it is difficult to stop them. Similar to the Edmonton Oilers dynasty days are evident throughout the Capitals lineup. Alexander Ovechkin is a force to be reckon with. Nicklas Backstrom has the great vision and puck skills to create offense with the puck. Alexander Semin is dangerous as always and takes some of the scoring heat off Ovechkin. Mike Green jumps into the rush as well as any defenseman in the NHL and creates challenges for the top defenses. Semyon Varlamov has shown the calm and cool demeanor necessary to win in the post season.